Plans for new Bishop’s Stortford cheese and wine bar Champagne + Fromage

Plans to convert a former charity shop into a cheese and wine bar for Bishop’s Stortford are progressing.

Kasia Zych and Szymon Kostka have asked East Herts Council for listed building planning permission for the premises in North Street, to be called Champagne + Fromage.

Trading as SKK Champagne, they have submitted proposals to fit out the ground floor of the historic grade II listed building last occupied by Oxfam, which sold books, CDs and DVDs.

They also want to upgrade the thermal insulation of the ground floor external walls and install acoustic insulation between the ground and first floors.

In August last year, the couple asked for an alcohol licence for the business.

Historically, the building has always been linked to the neighbouring George Hotel, now a Prezzo restaurant. It was once a coach house and stabling for the inn.